Buzz
You’ve finally settled into bed, eager to dive into the detective story you’ve been anticipating all day. But just a few pages in, your eyelids feel like lead, and staying awake becomes a struggle.
A few moments ago, you were fully awake, but now, with the protagonist uncovering an exciting new lead, sleepiness suddenly takes over. What’s causing this shift?
According to the BBC’s Science Focus, the cozy environment created by your blankets may actually be working against you. Reading often happens in a peaceful, comfortable setting, and that’s precisely the kind of atmosphere that promotes sleep. In addition, reading can help calm the mind and shift attention away from distractions, making it easier to drift off to sleep.
“For many individuals, reading can be a calming and enjoyable activity, which helps set the right state of mind and physical readiness to fall asleep,” Dr. Raman Malhotra, a neurologist and board member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, shared with Refinery29. “The primary reason reading helps some people sleep is that it offers their minds a chance to unwind before turning off the lights and drifting into sleep.”
The mental effort required to fully process every word can be quite tiring, especially if the book you’re reading is heavy or complex. Repeatedly reading through page after page can eventually make you crave a break for your eyes.
These factors make reading an excellent activity to include in your pre-sleep routine if you’re hoping to fall asleep faster. However, if your body’s natural sleep drive keeps interfering with your reading, there are ways to combat it. Book Riot recommends trying to read in the morning or opting for an audiobook instead. Reading in a place other than your bed—preferably sitting up instead of lying down—can also help. Additionally, reading in public places like a coffee shop or park can discourage you from nodding off.
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